The Mirando Perspective: July 2010

Friday, July 16, 2010

June Family Day: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Roman & I decided it would be fun to start monthly family outings. It doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive, just intentional family field trips. We started in June by going to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It's only a few minutes up the road & minimal cost. Perfect! So one day late in June we hopped in the car & drove to Folkston, GA. We spent several hours walking, talking, looking, laughing & sweating. We could stand to sweat a little so it's OK. Here are some pictures from our day.

See the golden yellow speck in the center? That's Nick. He volunteered to walk the road back to get the car. We hiked from the Chesser Homestead to the lookout tower & boardwalk. But I think he got tired of me freaking out & asking him to save me from the GINORMOUS bees that were strangely attracted to my hair. He wasn't rude or mad, just offered. Love that, thanks Babe!

We saw a snake!

AND.... Do you see it? It was just a few feet from the snake!

A GATOR!! Just off the boardwalk. And folks, please be careful, these gators CAN come up on the boardwalks.

Then we spotted these disgusting monkeys.

OK, I really having nothing else to say about this picture. Go ahead, judge away.

Cause you'll soften right back up when you see this one.

And this one.

My guys

At the Chesser Homestead I explained to the boys how the kids had to pick through this sand to made sure there was no grass or leaves. They had to make sure it was just sand so that it there was a fire it would stop when it reached the sand. (I learned this on Roman's 2nd grade field trip.)

Daddy explaining cane grinding.

Brotherly love makes my heart skip a beat.

The boys were sneaking up on Japanese troops. Shhhhh..

I love this picture for some reason.

It was HOT but we totally needed the exercise.

Note to self: YOU ARE WAY MORE OUT OF SHAPE THAN YOU REALIZED.

Another beauty shot

On our way out we stopped at the pond and saw some of these.

Why is this momma gator coming so close?

Because her baby is close to us.

We had a great time, it was the perfect start to our family outings.

We totally blew the calories we just burned by stopping for an early dinner at Quik Chik & dessert at Dairy Queen. We're planning July's for next week so stay tuned to see where we go next!

Summer Camp 2010: Natural Horsemanship Camp for Kids

Summer time = Camp time!

There are so many camps to choose from. We normally choose a sports camp. I wish our church participated in the church camp that our association participates in. This year we found out about a horse camp that a friend of ours puts on. It was affordable & educational. When we told our boys they were participating in a horse camp they were SO excited! They love horses & they love the Hall family so they just couldn't wait. Their only experiences with horses are when we ride them in the mountains each fall. They were happy to learn more about them!

Each day after a few hours of working in the hot sun with the horses Jennifer would take the kids to the river for a swim. I was a bit worried about this because in the seven years we have lived here, several kids had died in this river from drowning. One little boy just drowned a few weeks prior to this. So Nick met them down there each day to help supervise. Dallon & Rocco wore life vests. Jennifer assured me that each area of the river is different & they swim in this area often. I prayed & trusted.